Get prepared for a review of what was an awesome show.
Let's Do This!
NJPW Power Struggle 2018
November 3, 2018
1) Tiger Mask, Jushin Liger, Volador Jr., and Soberano Jr. vs. Taguchi, ACH, Henare, and Chris Sabin
Some comedy spots as you would expect with anything featuring Taguchi. Liger continues to impress with his athleticism after 30 years (and that's not including his pre-Liger gimmick years). Volador Jr is ridiculously quick in the ring. I feel like I need a pause button just to take in his offense. Henare seems to be a new age version of The Barbarian with his look and build. A wheelbarrow X-Factor by Taguchi and ACH gets the win.
Winners: Taguchi, ACH, Sabin, and Henare
Match Grade: C-. A harmless opening match on the show. There is nothing on this match that will be remembered tomorrow, but it really is just there for hype up the live crowd. This is a "no harm, no foul" type of match and grade.
2) Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Robbie Eagles vs. Makabe, Honma, and KUSHIDA
Ishimori is on crutches coming down with Jado and the Bullet Club OGs. (Since The Elite effectively left the Bullet Club on the Jericho Cruise, wouldn't this just make them the Bullet Club now? Oh, that's right. We have T-Shirts to sell with the Firing Squad logo on it.)
Brawling as expected early on. Honma gets caught with a cane against the back by Jado allowing the BCOGs to begin the attack. Honma gets assaulted for about 2-3 minutes before Makabe gets tagged in and starts hitting his trademark offense. All the faces get the multiple punches going on the corners. Eagles and Kushida have a fun sequence in the match. Honma gets his headbutt drop in on the BCOGs. Tonga goes for Gun Stun on Kushida, but he gets caught in a hoverboard wristlock. Jado distracts Kushida. Cane to the head by Jado gets a 2 for Tonga. Ishimori comes in and hits Kushida with a crutch and moves quick for an injured guy. GUN STUN! 1-2-3!
Winners: Bullet Club OGs
Match Grade: C. Again, another average match that will be likely forgotten except for the fact that Ishimori just set himself up for a title opportunity.
After the match, Ishimori beats down on Kushida and poses with his Cruiserweight Championship, signaling a future title match. Makabe chases off the BCOGs.
3) Okada and Baretta vs. Jay White and Bad Luck Fale
The new leader of the Bullet Club, Jay White, comes out with Gedo and Bad Luck Fale for this match against his former CHAOS stablemates.
Okada dives over the top onto White and throws him into the rail. The match starts with a lot of brawling on the floor with CHAOS taking it to the Bullet Club. Fale and Baretta start off the match officially in the ring. White decides "Screw this" and goes after Okada, attacking him all over ringside and through the crowd. It's like there are two different matches going on. Draping DDT on the floor by Okada to White. Suicide Dive by Baretta to Fale on the floor. Fale starts taking it to Baretta while Okada continues to torture White on the floor. Baretta does his best Shawn Michaels impersonation in the ring by doing the corner flip/sit on the corner. Meanwhile outside of the ring, Gedo and Okada are having a confrontation.
BARETTA CATCHES FALE WITH A SUNSET FLIP OUT OF THE BAD LUCK FALL! 1-2-3!
Winners: CHAOS
Match Grade: B. This was a lot of fun and accomplished a lot of good business. It built some more to the eventual Okada vs. White match at Wrestle Kingdom 13, and it gave Baretta a big upset pinfall on Bad Luck Fale. That's something he can use to give him some momentum.
After the match, Jay White attacks Okada on the floor. The Young Lions are trying to separate Okada and White. We're obviously setting up Wrestle Kingdom 13 here, and it should be glorious. They break it up only for one of the two to break free and attack the other. Okada is going after the Young Lions now for trying to stop him. White: "OKADA, ME AND YOU, 1 on 1 MR. You leave your guys behind, I'll leave my guys behind." Okada says "How about right now?" White fakes going in and walks back. White smacks around some more Young Lions
4) Hiroshi Tanahashi and David Finlay vs. The Golden Lovers
Tanahashi and Okada start this one off as they absolutely hate each other at this point. Furious exchange of punches and forearms between the two and some awesome counters and avoiding by both men. (I CAN NOT WAIT TO COVER THIS MATCH ON JANUARY 4th!). Tags to both Ibushi and Finlay. (Ibushi is a guy who I wonder what will happen to after this whole ELITE decision is made. Ibushi is technically a free agent. So, he can go wherever he chooses to.) Golden Lovers tag in and get some classic double leap frogs and a Kotaro Crusher in.
Frequent tags by the Lovers as they continue the punishment to Finlay. Tanahashi is stuck on the apron until he finally interferes to stop Omega. Now, Omega goes after Tanahashi and throws him into the guard rail outside the ring. Now, Omega hits a running knee to Finlay and hits a dive to the outside on Tanahashi. (Smooth build to Omega-Tanahashi here.) Finlay fights off Omega and tags in Tanahashi. Dragon Screw to Omega. Omega's knee buckles during "You Can't Escape." They are avoiding each other's move. V-Trigger to Tanahashi. Snap Dragon now. One Winged Angel escaped and countered into a little Twist and Shout by Tanahashi. (This match will be glorious. I've said that 3 times already. Lol.)
Tags to Ibushi and Finlay. Ibushi does a twisting standing moonsault for a 2 count. Damn. They trade blows back and forth. Urinage by Finlay to Ibushi for a CLOSE 2 count. Finlay is great in these tag matches. Stunner countered by Ibushi. Straight Jacket German. 2 count. Kamigoye escaped. Sling Blade by an interfering Tanahashi. V-Trigger to The Ace by Omega. A version of the Meltzer Driver by The Lovers. Golden Trigger stopped by The Ace! Wow! That was quick. DOUBLE V-TRIGGER BY THE LOVERS TO TANAHASHI! GOLDEN TRIGGER TO FINLAY! 1-2-3!
Winners: The Golden Lovers
Match Grade: B+. That was quite good. They did a great job setting up Omega vs. Tanahashi here with some more epic encounters between the two. As always, The Golden Lovers produce an awesome tag team match. But Finlay and Tanahashi also did a great job as a team as well. I thought that Finlay, even as the guy clearly designated in this to take the fall, was very good in his selling and actions during the match. He is again very good in these tag matches, which was evident in the G1 Climax undercard as well.
After the match, Omega grabs the briefcase of Tanahashi and toys with that and the belt in his face.
5) NJPW Super Jr. Tag League Finals
Desperado and Kanemaru vs. Bushi and Shingo Takagi vs. Roppongi 3K
This match was set up due to a 3-Way Tie at 10 points each for the Super Jr. Tag League Tournament. The Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships are NOT on the line for Suzuki-Gun's Desperado and Kanemaru. If Roppongi 3K win tonight, they'd be the first team ever to repeat back to back years as Super Jr. Tag League winners.
Big Shocker: Suzuki-Gun jumps someone to start the match. Desperado gets double teamed by 3K. 3K establishes control early on. Desperado gets Bushi tagged in, and LIJ start working on SHO. Takagi uses his size and strength to punish Sho. Tag back to Bushi who helps Shingo double team on Sho. Sho tags in Yoh. Yoh fights off both members of LIJ. Desperado tips up Bushi from the floor, and Kanemaru tags himself in on Bushi. Kanemaru now works on Yoh and dumps him outside to be attacked by Desperado. Why won't he come to his senses? Ooops. Sorry.
Back in the ring, Kanemaru goes back to work on Yoh. Desperado gets tagged in to continue the assault. Desperado no sells a few chops by Yoh, and a distraction by Takagi allows Yoh to get a enziguri in. But Suzuki-Gun stops the tag and continues the double-team on Yoh. LIJ try to double team Desperado, but LIJ gets thrown out. Desperado does a senton suicide dive through the ropes sending LIJ flying back into the crowd.
Kanemaru is back in the ring assaulting Sho. Tilt-a-Whirl Faceplant by Kanemaru, but Sho ends up getting a Falcon Arrow seconds later. Desperado again prevents any tag, and Bushi comes in to attack everyone. He throws Sho into the LIJ corner for Takagi to tag himself in. And Shingo shows some great quickness and offense in a flurry of running and 2 man maneuvers. POP-UP DEATH VALLEY DRIVER BY TAKAGI TO KANEMARU! Kanemaru barely kicks at 2.8. LIJ double-teams Kanemaru, and Desperado breaks up a pin attempt. 10 minutes have passed.
Kanemaru almost catches Takagi for a 2 count rollup. Tag by Sho, taking Kanemaru out of the match. Takagi and Sho are colliding in the ring. Dropkick to Takagi. Vicious shots by Takagi, but he runs into stereo knees. Backcracker into a dropkick by 3K. Fast paced moves coming by the 6 participants. Lariat by Takagi to Sho. Takagi gets a VICIOUS LARIAT on Sho. 1-2-KICKOUT! 3K HITS THE 3K! 1-2-THE REF GETS PULLED OUT!
Whiskey Bottle to the head of Sho by Desperado. I guess Sho won't be coming to his senses anytime soon. Olympic Slam variant by Desperado on Sho for a close 2 count. BUSHI SPRAYS THE MIST INTO DESPERADO'S FACE, but he gets sent out. YOH does a SWANTON SUICIDE DIVE OVER THE TOP ROPE TO Takagi on the floor. Desperado gets a LAST RIDE WITH KNEES TO HIS BACK! 1-2-KICKOUT! Shock Arrow/Package Piledriver! 1-2-3!!!!
Winners: Roppongi 3K
Match Grade: B+. Again, another very fun match here with Roppongi 3K looking very good on the way to becoming the first back-to-back Super Jr. Tag League Tournament winners. Shingo Takagi in particular looked good from LIJ. He adds a level of intensity and athleticism to LIJ that will only add to that gimmick.
After the match, 3K gets the big trophies. And Sho tells the live crowd that they are challenging for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
6) NEVER Openweight Title Match
Taichi (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
Goto looks for revenge against the man who robbed him of his championship a month or two ago. This was supposed to be Will Ospreay's opportunity, but he has been injured. Therefore, Goto gets one last chance to regain his title.
Get ready for this shocker? You ready? Taichi jumps Goto before the match. I know, right? Those guys on Suzuki-Gun are law-abiding citizens. Lol. To be serious, Taichi hits Goto with a Saito Suplex before the bell rings. Goto is unconscious. The referee is checking on him. Now, Taichi goes for the cover, but he pulls Goto up at 2.5 to continue the pain. Taichi kicks at Goto to rub salt into the wound. He kicks him over to the floor and pushes back the referee. Goto is barely able to move as Taichi drags him out to the crowd. Goto finally gets up enough for Taichi to just throw him into some chairs. Now, a chair to the throat of Goto. The count is on while Taichi is in the ring. Goto gets back in at 19.
Taichi just continues to play mind games with Goto. The cover only gets 2.5 as Goto kicks out under his own power. Taichi continues the assault in the ring. This isn't much of a match up to this point as much as it is an angle. 5 minutes have passed. Finally Goto starts trying to fight back, but Taichi clearly has the advantage in the exchange. Finally Goto gets a big kick to Taichi. Goto nails his spinning kick in the corner followed by a suplex for 2. Taichi starts answering back with a kick of his own. They exchange blows in the center of the ring. Taichi takes advantage and starts kicking and stomping at the chest of Goto. Taichi is just toying with and mocking Goto at this point. Big kick into the forehead of Goto. Buzzsaw Kick. 2 count only.
Goto catches Taichi and nails Ushigaroshe! They collide in the center of the ring. Clothesline by Taichi just flattens Goto. Goto blocks a powerbomb attempt with a backdrop. Tilt-a-Whirl Facebuster by Goto for a 2 count cover. The ref gets tossed away. Low blow. Rollup by Taichi. Only a 2 count. Big kick by Taichi. LAST RIDE POWERBOMB! GOTO KICKS OUT AT 2! Reverse GTR by Goto. Taichi crawls over and grabs the title. The ref gets pushed down. Goto headbutts Taichi. Ushigaroshe again by Goto! Goto hits the big Samurai kick to Taichi for a 2 count. Suplex Side Effect by Goto. GTR! 1-2-3!
Winner: Hirooki Goto (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Match Grade: C+. This was a decent little match, but there was nothing to it for about 5 minutes as Goto just sold being unconscious. Plus, this is Goto's 4th reign with the championship now. He had some great feuds for the title before, but he needs to be put in a better position to make that title mean something. The match was just bland for the most part, and Taichi just does nothing for me other than the gimmick of being a fake singer with a hot valet.
7) Rev Pro British Heavyweight Championship
Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki
This is already getting an A from me. If you must ask me why, it's Ishii vs. Suzuki. These matches are always awesome. And what a year it has been for Ishii! Ishii now is a 2x Rev Pro Champion, had 2 of the best matches of the G1 Tournament, and wrestled several classic matches this year with the likes of Goto, Omega, Ibushi, Sabre Jr., and Suzuki. This should be no different. Ishii doesn't make the mistake of turning on Suzuki for the sneak attack.
The bell rings. And they're going at it immediately with vicious kicks. Ishii unloads with about 30 forearms in the corner to Suzuki, and Suzuki responds back in kind! They both miss hard-hitting shots at the other and pause. They meet in the middle. Hard shots being exchanged by both men!!! DAMN! Smack! Smack! Smack! Suzuki gets rocked by one of the shots by Ishii. Suzuki tries to go for the armbar on the ropes, but Ishii stops him and dumps him to the floor.
They're back in the ring. Ishii keeps kicking and striking at Suzuki who starts getting angry and no sells it! Suzuki now starts kicking with vicious shots to Ishii. Suzuki sends Ishii to the floor and sits down in the center to ask him to come back in. More vicious shots by Suzuki. Ishii trash talks Suzuki while getting pummeled by the guy. More knees to the body of Ishii. Ishii strikes at the ribs of Suzuki. And Suzuki just WHACKS Ishii with a hard shot of his own to the ribs of Ishii. 5 minutes have passed. (THAT'S IT?!)
More hard kicks by Suzuki. Suzuki now toys with Ishii, mocking him with paintbrush kicks to the head of Ishii. Ishii chops Suzuki in the throat repeatedly!!! Suzuki can't breath as Ishii now kicks at Suzuki's head. Suzuki is now very PO'ed. The exchange of forearms is back on. Smack! Smack! Smack! Suzuki loves this! AND SO DOES ISHII!!!! The exchange keeps going, and each man is just absolutely wobbly on their feet. A VICIOUS SHOT by Suzuki almost knocks out Ishii. Suzuki takes one in kind.
(This is incredible storytelling. They are doing more with just exchanging forearms than most wrestlers do with backflips and springboard dives. It's the story of two tough S.O.B.'s just fighting each other with hard-hitting offense wanting to prove their dominance over the other. You either hate it or love it. I have grown to love it over the past couple years.)
They are now exchanging them at a more rapid pace! Damn! The sounds are sick coming from each hit! Ishii is literally on the ropes, and Suzuki finally sends Ishii down on the mat after a 3-4 minute exchange of forearms. That was awesome. 10 minutes have passed. Ishii can't even get up to take any offense. Kicks to the ribs by Suzuki. SLIDING KNEE TO THE FACE OF ISHII! 2 count for Suzuki. Running boot into the corner. PK IS NO SOLD BY ISHII!!!! Another one to the back gets the same selling! Suzuki's forearms have NO effect!!! Ishii now goes after Suzuki with a lariat into the corner. Suzuki gets caught in the corner. POWERBOMB by Ishii! Suzuki avoids the lariat to get a rear-naked choke which Ishii escapes. Suzuki gets stomped on the back of the head. They are exchanging open hand palm strikes now! Big boot by Suzuki just sends both men down!
Open hand strikes are back again! BACK AND FORTH!!! FASTER AND FASTER!!!!! Suzuki starts getting some solo ones in. Fast exchanges by both men. Suplex by Ishii who runs into a Suzuki dropkick! 15 minutes have passed! Suzuki is bleeding from the mouth. He goes for the rear naked choke on Ishii and locks it in. Suzuki transitions into the Gotch Piledriver. Ishii escapes and eats a forearm straight to the jaw! Another series of forearms by Suzuki. ISHII HITS A REVERSE TOMBSTONE ON SUZUKI! LARIAT! 1-2-KICKOUT BY SUZUKI! Headbutt to the jaw of Suzuki! Suzuki is out. Sliding Lariat by Ishii. 2 count only. Vertical Drop Brainbuster Escaped! OPEN HAND SLAPS! Rear Naked Choke by Suzuki. Pele Kick by Ishii! Lariat by Ishii! A 2nd one! VERTICAL DROP BRAINBUSTER! 1-2-3!!!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii (STILL British Heavyweight Champion)
Match Grade: A. I said this was going to be awesome. And holy crap was it great. These guys just absolutely knocked the hell out of each other with some of the most vicious shoot style forearms you will ever see in a wrestling match. I loved the story being told as it makes both men look like the toughest bastards in any wrestling promotion around the world. And why is that? BECAUSE THEY ARE!
After the match, Ishii just walks off without his title. And Suzuki refuses help stumbling to the back and pushing away any Young Lion who tries to get in his way. Kevin Kelly puts over Suzuki's toughness and that Suzuki is chasing after Ishii after the match. (Wrestle Kingdom 13 please?!)
8) Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
The story here is simple: Sabre has had Naito's number in every singles match that they've had this year. Lately, Evil was being attacked by Chris Jericho when he was supposed to be wrestling Sabre. Sabre jumped in to attack Evil, and Naito chased him off to reignite the feud. Sabre hurt Naito's stablemate and cost Naito the G1 Climax. In Naito's opinion, the "cabron" has it coming.
It's Zack Sabre time according to Taka Michinoku. Naito, Come Over Here! Naito comes out with the classic white suit and cape with a new red entrance mask. Sabre gets in Naito's face before the bell rings. Naito just takes his time taking the suit off.
The bell rings. Both men break off after a couple wrestling sequences of arm work. Sabre now transitions between submission holds breathlessly. Just some really good technical wrestling between the two. Naito does the "Tranquilo" pose and rolls out to get a break. Again, Sabre goes from submission to submission, from an armbar one moment to a headlock the next. Armdrag by Naito and a dropkick to the back of Sabre. Flying Triangle Hold by Sabre followed by an Armbar, to which Naito escapes by using the ropes. Now, Sabre uses the bottom rope to torture Naito on. 5 minutes have passes as the ref breaks up the hold.
Wristlock into a stomp to the tricep by Sabre. They now are exchanging blows. Leg sweep to Naito while on the apron. Calf Crusher on the entrance ramp by Sabre to Naito, and a transition to a Knee Bar. The count is on. Naito is grabbing the knee. 19 count and Naito is back in to get tortured again. An Indian Deathlock with the arms tied up by Sabre, but Naito gets to the ropes. They exchange blows again. Kicks to the knee of Naito by Sabre. Inverted Atomic Drop followed by a hurricanrana by Naito. Naito fires back with some offense. Low Angle Dropkick by Naito. The Naito Corner attack is countered by Sabre. Backbreaker using the ropes by Naito. Reverse DDT for a 2 count. 10 minutes have passed.
Elbows to Sabre in the corner by Naito. Sabre is put on the top of the corner. Top Rope Frankensteiner rolled through by Sabre into an STF!!!! And now, it's a Regal Stretch/Rings of Saturn! Naito rolls over into the ropes. Sabre is trying to shake feeling into his fingers. He may have suffered a stinger, the announcers suggest. Stomp to the knee of Naito. And now, a stomp to the shoulder of Naito with Naito's arm wrapped between his feet. Ouch. They're firing back at each other again with uppercuts and chops. Sabre tells Naito to bring it. Forearms in the corner and a dropkick into the corner by Naito. Tornado DDT by Naito. Gloria connects! 1-2-Kickout barely by Sabre. 15 minutes have passed. Sabre is dazed.
Destino avoided. Kicks exchanged. Octapus Stretch by Sabre. Calf Crusher now by Sabre. (This guy just moves from hold to hold like it's nothing.) Orienteering with Napalm Death can not be locked in by Sabre as Naito gets to the ropes. Sabre removes his wristtape in order to try to get more feeling into his hand. Sabre goes after Naito with more European uppercuts. PK Kick! 2 count as Naito kicks out. Zack Driver avoided. Enziguri caught by Sabre, but an ankle lock is turned into a German Suplex. DESTINOOOOOO! 1-2-Kickout! Naito gets Sabre up, but Sabre almost gets him with a European Rollup Bridge. Naito just barely kicks out.
Enziguri by Naito. Destino Avoided! Zack Driver avoided! NAITO HITS HIM WITH HIS OWN MICHINOKU DRIVER! 20 minutes! DESTINOOOOOOOOOOOO! 1-2-3!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito.
Match Grade: A-. Another great match on this card. Sabre loses nothing in this match as he still has 2 wins against Naito. Naito finally gets revenge in the victory. Good booking here. As for the match, a great exchange of strong style, aerial maneuvers, and a lot of great technical wrestling exchanges. If The Elite go elsewhere, this could main event a Wrestle Kingdom or a Dominion show for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Main Event
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Chris Jericho (c) vs. EVIL
You have to love Chris Jericho who continues to reinvent himself and dedicates himself to all his craft that he works a 5 Day Cruise and flies to Japan just a couple days later to work this show. He truly is a GOAT.
EVIL jumps Jericho before the bell rings and rakes the eyes. Evil is just punishing Jericho at this point, and Jericho runs to the outside and into the audience. Evil catches him, and they are both brawling in the crowd. Jericho meets the ring post. Evil suplexes Jericho on the floor. Evil gets the table set up. Evil tries to powerbomb Jericho through the table, but Jericho flips Evil back. Evil meets the guard rail, and Jericho throws him over it next. Jericho just continues to destroy the announcer area. They are on one of the tables. DDT BY JERICHO ON THE TABLE, AND IT DID NOT MOVE AN INCH! Jericho has the NJPW banner and blows his nose with it. "YOU SEE THAT, KELLY? YOU STUPID BASTARD!"- Chris Jericho to Kevin Kelly on commentary.
Flying crossbody in the ring by Jericho to Evil for a 2 count. Chops now by both men. Enziguri by Jericho stops that momentum. (This is definitely the biggest match in Evil's career in my opinion. As great as Okada is, Evil is facing a wrestling icon and growing mainstream talent in Jericho.) Lionsault by Jericho on Evil. 2 count only. Evil catches Jericho on the corner. He tries to superplex Jericho, but Jericho sends him off. Diving back elbow to a standing Evil for a 2 count.
Evil starts to fight back with a superkick to the belly of Jericho. Clothesline over the top to the floor by Evil to Jericho. Jericho gets thrown into the guard rail as Evil gets the chairs. He throws Jericho into the ring post with a chair wrapped around his neck! And Evil goes swinging at that chair-wrapped neck with another steel chair! Evil and Jericho are back in the ring. Fisherman Buster by Evil. 2 count. Evil now starts to choke and torture Jericho. A running dropkick though is blocked as Jericho goes for the Walls. Evil flips him over. Jericho catches Evil with the springboard apron dropkick. Evil catches Jericho as he toys suplexing him to the floor through the table at ringside. STO THROUGH THE TABLE BY EVIL TO JERICHO! Both men are down on the outside. (How can you not respect Jericho after this last week? GOAT, people. He is the G.O.A.T.!)
Evil throws Jericho back in the ring and climbs the corner! SENTON SPLASH! 1-2-KICKOUT. 15 minutes have passed. Darkness Falls is escaped, and Jericho locks in the Walls of Jericho. Evil gets to the ropes, and Jericho does the classic heel "HE TAPPED OUT" anger sell. He runs into a lariat by Evil, who covers for a LONG 2 count. Lionsault misses by Jericho. DARKNESS FALLS! JERICHO KICKS OUT. Will Everything Is Evil be next?!
Jericho rolls up Evil for a 2. Codebreaker is blocked. Double lariat. Both men are down. Exchange of blows by both men. CODEBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE! EVIL KICKS OUT!!!! Dang. Jericho is going nuts. "STAY DOWN!" Jericho goes to the top rope. "EVERYTHING IS JERICHO!" He yells. EVERYTHING IS EVIL! JERICHO KICKS OUT!!! WOW! (This is a great match!) 20 minutes have passed.
Evil hits a massive lariat! Jericho shoves Evil towards the refererr. Frankensteiner by Jericho!!!! Walls of Jericho in the center of the ring!!!! Evil goes towards the ropes. LIONTAMER! BACK TO THE WALLS! EVIL TAPS OUT!!!! WOW.
Winner: Chris Jericho (STILL Intercontinental Champion)
Match Grade: A. That was a really good match. EVIL looked to win this match about 2-3 different times. Was it Evil's best performance? I'm tempted to say "Yes," but if there's any match that was close, it was his match with Okada last year during the G1. For Jericho's part, this was an outstanding performance given all that he has done in the last week. I love this "Outlaw" character of his and how it has added to his matches. This was a very good back-and-forth brawl between two wrestlers who know how to do that. Jericho, the ring general, helped guide Evil once it got into the ring to a match that I think both men can be very proud of looking back on. Evil loses nothing in this match by going toe-to-toe with one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Jericho goes back to the attack on Evil and locks back in the Walls of Jericho. Here comes Naito!!!! Naito viciously goes after Jericho, and Jericho runs off away from Naito. I think we know our Wrestle Kingdom 13 match for the Intercontinental Championship. Naito asks Jericho to come back in, but Jericho refuses to go back. Naito declares himself next to face Jericho. This is great as it sets up Naito to get his revenge against Jericho for what happened at Dominion.
Backstage, Jericho puts over Evil as a tough SOB and Naito is just a dumb one. Jericho will not defend his championship against Naito anywhere. Jericho puts over his match with Evil as a classic. It's Evil's first and Jericho's 200+ classic match. He's had more classic Intercontinental Championship matches than anyone. He's never lost to the Japanese. Evil is now famous, thanks to Jericho. Naito is famous too, but Jericho says he's never getting a rematch against him.
Show Grade: A-. Another excellent show from New Japan Pro Wrestling. So many quality matches on this show, especially the last three matches all delivering A level performances. Add in that a great tag team match between The Golden Lovers and Tanahashi/Finlay and a solid undercard, and this is a great watch for any wrestling fan. Again, All Hail The Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah as Jericho continues to be amazing.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
Let's Do This!
NJPW Power Struggle 2018
November 3, 2018
1) Tiger Mask, Jushin Liger, Volador Jr., and Soberano Jr. vs. Taguchi, ACH, Henare, and Chris Sabin
Some comedy spots as you would expect with anything featuring Taguchi. Liger continues to impress with his athleticism after 30 years (and that's not including his pre-Liger gimmick years). Volador Jr is ridiculously quick in the ring. I feel like I need a pause button just to take in his offense. Henare seems to be a new age version of The Barbarian with his look and build. A wheelbarrow X-Factor by Taguchi and ACH gets the win.
Winners: Taguchi, ACH, Sabin, and Henare
Match Grade: C-. A harmless opening match on the show. There is nothing on this match that will be remembered tomorrow, but it really is just there for hype up the live crowd. This is a "no harm, no foul" type of match and grade.
2) Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Robbie Eagles vs. Makabe, Honma, and KUSHIDA
Ishimori is on crutches coming down with Jado and the Bullet Club OGs. (Since The Elite effectively left the Bullet Club on the Jericho Cruise, wouldn't this just make them the Bullet Club now? Oh, that's right. We have T-Shirts to sell with the Firing Squad logo on it.)
Brawling as expected early on. Honma gets caught with a cane against the back by Jado allowing the BCOGs to begin the attack. Honma gets assaulted for about 2-3 minutes before Makabe gets tagged in and starts hitting his trademark offense. All the faces get the multiple punches going on the corners. Eagles and Kushida have a fun sequence in the match. Honma gets his headbutt drop in on the BCOGs. Tonga goes for Gun Stun on Kushida, but he gets caught in a hoverboard wristlock. Jado distracts Kushida. Cane to the head by Jado gets a 2 for Tonga. Ishimori comes in and hits Kushida with a crutch and moves quick for an injured guy. GUN STUN! 1-2-3!
Winners: Bullet Club OGs
Match Grade: C. Again, another average match that will be likely forgotten except for the fact that Ishimori just set himself up for a title opportunity.
After the match, Ishimori beats down on Kushida and poses with his Cruiserweight Championship, signaling a future title match. Makabe chases off the BCOGs.
3) Okada and Baretta vs. Jay White and Bad Luck Fale
The new leader of the Bullet Club, Jay White, comes out with Gedo and Bad Luck Fale for this match against his former CHAOS stablemates.
Okada dives over the top onto White and throws him into the rail. The match starts with a lot of brawling on the floor with CHAOS taking it to the Bullet Club. Fale and Baretta start off the match officially in the ring. White decides "Screw this" and goes after Okada, attacking him all over ringside and through the crowd. It's like there are two different matches going on. Draping DDT on the floor by Okada to White. Suicide Dive by Baretta to Fale on the floor. Fale starts taking it to Baretta while Okada continues to torture White on the floor. Baretta does his best Shawn Michaels impersonation in the ring by doing the corner flip/sit on the corner. Meanwhile outside of the ring, Gedo and Okada are having a confrontation.
BARETTA CATCHES FALE WITH A SUNSET FLIP OUT OF THE BAD LUCK FALL! 1-2-3!
Winners: CHAOS
Match Grade: B. This was a lot of fun and accomplished a lot of good business. It built some more to the eventual Okada vs. White match at Wrestle Kingdom 13, and it gave Baretta a big upset pinfall on Bad Luck Fale. That's something he can use to give him some momentum.
After the match, Jay White attacks Okada on the floor. The Young Lions are trying to separate Okada and White. We're obviously setting up Wrestle Kingdom 13 here, and it should be glorious. They break it up only for one of the two to break free and attack the other. Okada is going after the Young Lions now for trying to stop him. White: "OKADA, ME AND YOU, 1 on 1 MR. You leave your guys behind, I'll leave my guys behind." Okada says "How about right now?" White fakes going in and walks back. White smacks around some more Young Lions
4) Hiroshi Tanahashi and David Finlay vs. The Golden Lovers
Tanahashi and Okada start this one off as they absolutely hate each other at this point. Furious exchange of punches and forearms between the two and some awesome counters and avoiding by both men. (I CAN NOT WAIT TO COVER THIS MATCH ON JANUARY 4th!). Tags to both Ibushi and Finlay. (Ibushi is a guy who I wonder what will happen to after this whole ELITE decision is made. Ibushi is technically a free agent. So, he can go wherever he chooses to.) Golden Lovers tag in and get some classic double leap frogs and a Kotaro Crusher in.
Frequent tags by the Lovers as they continue the punishment to Finlay. Tanahashi is stuck on the apron until he finally interferes to stop Omega. Now, Omega goes after Tanahashi and throws him into the guard rail outside the ring. Now, Omega hits a running knee to Finlay and hits a dive to the outside on Tanahashi. (Smooth build to Omega-Tanahashi here.) Finlay fights off Omega and tags in Tanahashi. Dragon Screw to Omega. Omega's knee buckles during "You Can't Escape." They are avoiding each other's move. V-Trigger to Tanahashi. Snap Dragon now. One Winged Angel escaped and countered into a little Twist and Shout by Tanahashi. (This match will be glorious. I've said that 3 times already. Lol.)
Tags to Ibushi and Finlay. Ibushi does a twisting standing moonsault for a 2 count. Damn. They trade blows back and forth. Urinage by Finlay to Ibushi for a CLOSE 2 count. Finlay is great in these tag matches. Stunner countered by Ibushi. Straight Jacket German. 2 count. Kamigoye escaped. Sling Blade by an interfering Tanahashi. V-Trigger to The Ace by Omega. A version of the Meltzer Driver by The Lovers. Golden Trigger stopped by The Ace! Wow! That was quick. DOUBLE V-TRIGGER BY THE LOVERS TO TANAHASHI! GOLDEN TRIGGER TO FINLAY! 1-2-3!
Winners: The Golden Lovers
Match Grade: B+. That was quite good. They did a great job setting up Omega vs. Tanahashi here with some more epic encounters between the two. As always, The Golden Lovers produce an awesome tag team match. But Finlay and Tanahashi also did a great job as a team as well. I thought that Finlay, even as the guy clearly designated in this to take the fall, was very good in his selling and actions during the match. He is again very good in these tag matches, which was evident in the G1 Climax undercard as well.
After the match, Omega grabs the briefcase of Tanahashi and toys with that and the belt in his face.
5) NJPW Super Jr. Tag League Finals
Desperado and Kanemaru vs. Bushi and Shingo Takagi vs. Roppongi 3K
This match was set up due to a 3-Way Tie at 10 points each for the Super Jr. Tag League Tournament. The Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships are NOT on the line for Suzuki-Gun's Desperado and Kanemaru. If Roppongi 3K win tonight, they'd be the first team ever to repeat back to back years as Super Jr. Tag League winners.
Big Shocker: Suzuki-Gun jumps someone to start the match. Desperado gets double teamed by 3K. 3K establishes control early on. Desperado gets Bushi tagged in, and LIJ start working on SHO. Takagi uses his size and strength to punish Sho. Tag back to Bushi who helps Shingo double team on Sho. Sho tags in Yoh. Yoh fights off both members of LIJ. Desperado tips up Bushi from the floor, and Kanemaru tags himself in on Bushi. Kanemaru now works on Yoh and dumps him outside to be attacked by Desperado. Why won't he come to his senses? Ooops. Sorry.
Back in the ring, Kanemaru goes back to work on Yoh. Desperado gets tagged in to continue the assault. Desperado no sells a few chops by Yoh, and a distraction by Takagi allows Yoh to get a enziguri in. But Suzuki-Gun stops the tag and continues the double-team on Yoh. LIJ try to double team Desperado, but LIJ gets thrown out. Desperado does a senton suicide dive through the ropes sending LIJ flying back into the crowd.
Kanemaru is back in the ring assaulting Sho. Tilt-a-Whirl Faceplant by Kanemaru, but Sho ends up getting a Falcon Arrow seconds later. Desperado again prevents any tag, and Bushi comes in to attack everyone. He throws Sho into the LIJ corner for Takagi to tag himself in. And Shingo shows some great quickness and offense in a flurry of running and 2 man maneuvers. POP-UP DEATH VALLEY DRIVER BY TAKAGI TO KANEMARU! Kanemaru barely kicks at 2.8. LIJ double-teams Kanemaru, and Desperado breaks up a pin attempt. 10 minutes have passed.
Kanemaru almost catches Takagi for a 2 count rollup. Tag by Sho, taking Kanemaru out of the match. Takagi and Sho are colliding in the ring. Dropkick to Takagi. Vicious shots by Takagi, but he runs into stereo knees. Backcracker into a dropkick by 3K. Fast paced moves coming by the 6 participants. Lariat by Takagi to Sho. Takagi gets a VICIOUS LARIAT on Sho. 1-2-KICKOUT! 3K HITS THE 3K! 1-2-THE REF GETS PULLED OUT!
Whiskey Bottle to the head of Sho by Desperado. I guess Sho won't be coming to his senses anytime soon. Olympic Slam variant by Desperado on Sho for a close 2 count. BUSHI SPRAYS THE MIST INTO DESPERADO'S FACE, but he gets sent out. YOH does a SWANTON SUICIDE DIVE OVER THE TOP ROPE TO Takagi on the floor. Desperado gets a LAST RIDE WITH KNEES TO HIS BACK! 1-2-KICKOUT! Shock Arrow/Package Piledriver! 1-2-3!!!!
Winners: Roppongi 3K
Match Grade: B+. Again, another very fun match here with Roppongi 3K looking very good on the way to becoming the first back-to-back Super Jr. Tag League Tournament winners. Shingo Takagi in particular looked good from LIJ. He adds a level of intensity and athleticism to LIJ that will only add to that gimmick.
After the match, 3K gets the big trophies. And Sho tells the live crowd that they are challenging for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
6) NEVER Openweight Title Match
Taichi (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
Goto looks for revenge against the man who robbed him of his championship a month or two ago. This was supposed to be Will Ospreay's opportunity, but he has been injured. Therefore, Goto gets one last chance to regain his title.
Get ready for this shocker? You ready? Taichi jumps Goto before the match. I know, right? Those guys on Suzuki-Gun are law-abiding citizens. Lol. To be serious, Taichi hits Goto with a Saito Suplex before the bell rings. Goto is unconscious. The referee is checking on him. Now, Taichi goes for the cover, but he pulls Goto up at 2.5 to continue the pain. Taichi kicks at Goto to rub salt into the wound. He kicks him over to the floor and pushes back the referee. Goto is barely able to move as Taichi drags him out to the crowd. Goto finally gets up enough for Taichi to just throw him into some chairs. Now, a chair to the throat of Goto. The count is on while Taichi is in the ring. Goto gets back in at 19.
Taichi just continues to play mind games with Goto. The cover only gets 2.5 as Goto kicks out under his own power. Taichi continues the assault in the ring. This isn't much of a match up to this point as much as it is an angle. 5 minutes have passed. Finally Goto starts trying to fight back, but Taichi clearly has the advantage in the exchange. Finally Goto gets a big kick to Taichi. Goto nails his spinning kick in the corner followed by a suplex for 2. Taichi starts answering back with a kick of his own. They exchange blows in the center of the ring. Taichi takes advantage and starts kicking and stomping at the chest of Goto. Taichi is just toying with and mocking Goto at this point. Big kick into the forehead of Goto. Buzzsaw Kick. 2 count only.
Goto catches Taichi and nails Ushigaroshe! They collide in the center of the ring. Clothesline by Taichi just flattens Goto. Goto blocks a powerbomb attempt with a backdrop. Tilt-a-Whirl Facebuster by Goto for a 2 count cover. The ref gets tossed away. Low blow. Rollup by Taichi. Only a 2 count. Big kick by Taichi. LAST RIDE POWERBOMB! GOTO KICKS OUT AT 2! Reverse GTR by Goto. Taichi crawls over and grabs the title. The ref gets pushed down. Goto headbutts Taichi. Ushigaroshe again by Goto! Goto hits the big Samurai kick to Taichi for a 2 count. Suplex Side Effect by Goto. GTR! 1-2-3!
Winner: Hirooki Goto (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Match Grade: C+. This was a decent little match, but there was nothing to it for about 5 minutes as Goto just sold being unconscious. Plus, this is Goto's 4th reign with the championship now. He had some great feuds for the title before, but he needs to be put in a better position to make that title mean something. The match was just bland for the most part, and Taichi just does nothing for me other than the gimmick of being a fake singer with a hot valet.
7) Rev Pro British Heavyweight Championship
Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki
This is already getting an A from me. If you must ask me why, it's Ishii vs. Suzuki. These matches are always awesome. And what a year it has been for Ishii! Ishii now is a 2x Rev Pro Champion, had 2 of the best matches of the G1 Tournament, and wrestled several classic matches this year with the likes of Goto, Omega, Ibushi, Sabre Jr., and Suzuki. This should be no different. Ishii doesn't make the mistake of turning on Suzuki for the sneak attack.
The bell rings. And they're going at it immediately with vicious kicks. Ishii unloads with about 30 forearms in the corner to Suzuki, and Suzuki responds back in kind! They both miss hard-hitting shots at the other and pause. They meet in the middle. Hard shots being exchanged by both men!!! DAMN! Smack! Smack! Smack! Suzuki gets rocked by one of the shots by Ishii. Suzuki tries to go for the armbar on the ropes, but Ishii stops him and dumps him to the floor.
They're back in the ring. Ishii keeps kicking and striking at Suzuki who starts getting angry and no sells it! Suzuki now starts kicking with vicious shots to Ishii. Suzuki sends Ishii to the floor and sits down in the center to ask him to come back in. More vicious shots by Suzuki. Ishii trash talks Suzuki while getting pummeled by the guy. More knees to the body of Ishii. Ishii strikes at the ribs of Suzuki. And Suzuki just WHACKS Ishii with a hard shot of his own to the ribs of Ishii. 5 minutes have passed. (THAT'S IT?!)
More hard kicks by Suzuki. Suzuki now toys with Ishii, mocking him with paintbrush kicks to the head of Ishii. Ishii chops Suzuki in the throat repeatedly!!! Suzuki can't breath as Ishii now kicks at Suzuki's head. Suzuki is now very PO'ed. The exchange of forearms is back on. Smack! Smack! Smack! Suzuki loves this! AND SO DOES ISHII!!!! The exchange keeps going, and each man is just absolutely wobbly on their feet. A VICIOUS SHOT by Suzuki almost knocks out Ishii. Suzuki takes one in kind.
(This is incredible storytelling. They are doing more with just exchanging forearms than most wrestlers do with backflips and springboard dives. It's the story of two tough S.O.B.'s just fighting each other with hard-hitting offense wanting to prove their dominance over the other. You either hate it or love it. I have grown to love it over the past couple years.)
They are now exchanging them at a more rapid pace! Damn! The sounds are sick coming from each hit! Ishii is literally on the ropes, and Suzuki finally sends Ishii down on the mat after a 3-4 minute exchange of forearms. That was awesome. 10 minutes have passed. Ishii can't even get up to take any offense. Kicks to the ribs by Suzuki. SLIDING KNEE TO THE FACE OF ISHII! 2 count for Suzuki. Running boot into the corner. PK IS NO SOLD BY ISHII!!!! Another one to the back gets the same selling! Suzuki's forearms have NO effect!!! Ishii now goes after Suzuki with a lariat into the corner. Suzuki gets caught in the corner. POWERBOMB by Ishii! Suzuki avoids the lariat to get a rear-naked choke which Ishii escapes. Suzuki gets stomped on the back of the head. They are exchanging open hand palm strikes now! Big boot by Suzuki just sends both men down!
Open hand strikes are back again! BACK AND FORTH!!! FASTER AND FASTER!!!!! Suzuki starts getting some solo ones in. Fast exchanges by both men. Suplex by Ishii who runs into a Suzuki dropkick! 15 minutes have passed! Suzuki is bleeding from the mouth. He goes for the rear naked choke on Ishii and locks it in. Suzuki transitions into the Gotch Piledriver. Ishii escapes and eats a forearm straight to the jaw! Another series of forearms by Suzuki. ISHII HITS A REVERSE TOMBSTONE ON SUZUKI! LARIAT! 1-2-KICKOUT BY SUZUKI! Headbutt to the jaw of Suzuki! Suzuki is out. Sliding Lariat by Ishii. 2 count only. Vertical Drop Brainbuster Escaped! OPEN HAND SLAPS! Rear Naked Choke by Suzuki. Pele Kick by Ishii! Lariat by Ishii! A 2nd one! VERTICAL DROP BRAINBUSTER! 1-2-3!!!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii (STILL British Heavyweight Champion)
Match Grade: A. I said this was going to be awesome. And holy crap was it great. These guys just absolutely knocked the hell out of each other with some of the most vicious shoot style forearms you will ever see in a wrestling match. I loved the story being told as it makes both men look like the toughest bastards in any wrestling promotion around the world. And why is that? BECAUSE THEY ARE!
After the match, Ishii just walks off without his title. And Suzuki refuses help stumbling to the back and pushing away any Young Lion who tries to get in his way. Kevin Kelly puts over Suzuki's toughness and that Suzuki is chasing after Ishii after the match. (Wrestle Kingdom 13 please?!)
8) Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
The story here is simple: Sabre has had Naito's number in every singles match that they've had this year. Lately, Evil was being attacked by Chris Jericho when he was supposed to be wrestling Sabre. Sabre jumped in to attack Evil, and Naito chased him off to reignite the feud. Sabre hurt Naito's stablemate and cost Naito the G1 Climax. In Naito's opinion, the "cabron" has it coming.
It's Zack Sabre time according to Taka Michinoku. Naito, Come Over Here! Naito comes out with the classic white suit and cape with a new red entrance mask. Sabre gets in Naito's face before the bell rings. Naito just takes his time taking the suit off.
The bell rings. Both men break off after a couple wrestling sequences of arm work. Sabre now transitions between submission holds breathlessly. Just some really good technical wrestling between the two. Naito does the "Tranquilo" pose and rolls out to get a break. Again, Sabre goes from submission to submission, from an armbar one moment to a headlock the next. Armdrag by Naito and a dropkick to the back of Sabre. Flying Triangle Hold by Sabre followed by an Armbar, to which Naito escapes by using the ropes. Now, Sabre uses the bottom rope to torture Naito on. 5 minutes have passes as the ref breaks up the hold.
Wristlock into a stomp to the tricep by Sabre. They now are exchanging blows. Leg sweep to Naito while on the apron. Calf Crusher on the entrance ramp by Sabre to Naito, and a transition to a Knee Bar. The count is on. Naito is grabbing the knee. 19 count and Naito is back in to get tortured again. An Indian Deathlock with the arms tied up by Sabre, but Naito gets to the ropes. They exchange blows again. Kicks to the knee of Naito by Sabre. Inverted Atomic Drop followed by a hurricanrana by Naito. Naito fires back with some offense. Low Angle Dropkick by Naito. The Naito Corner attack is countered by Sabre. Backbreaker using the ropes by Naito. Reverse DDT for a 2 count. 10 minutes have passed.
Elbows to Sabre in the corner by Naito. Sabre is put on the top of the corner. Top Rope Frankensteiner rolled through by Sabre into an STF!!!! And now, it's a Regal Stretch/Rings of Saturn! Naito rolls over into the ropes. Sabre is trying to shake feeling into his fingers. He may have suffered a stinger, the announcers suggest. Stomp to the knee of Naito. And now, a stomp to the shoulder of Naito with Naito's arm wrapped between his feet. Ouch. They're firing back at each other again with uppercuts and chops. Sabre tells Naito to bring it. Forearms in the corner and a dropkick into the corner by Naito. Tornado DDT by Naito. Gloria connects! 1-2-Kickout barely by Sabre. 15 minutes have passed. Sabre is dazed.
Destino avoided. Kicks exchanged. Octapus Stretch by Sabre. Calf Crusher now by Sabre. (This guy just moves from hold to hold like it's nothing.) Orienteering with Napalm Death can not be locked in by Sabre as Naito gets to the ropes. Sabre removes his wristtape in order to try to get more feeling into his hand. Sabre goes after Naito with more European uppercuts. PK Kick! 2 count as Naito kicks out. Zack Driver avoided. Enziguri caught by Sabre, but an ankle lock is turned into a German Suplex. DESTINOOOOOO! 1-2-Kickout! Naito gets Sabre up, but Sabre almost gets him with a European Rollup Bridge. Naito just barely kicks out.
Enziguri by Naito. Destino Avoided! Zack Driver avoided! NAITO HITS HIM WITH HIS OWN MICHINOKU DRIVER! 20 minutes! DESTINOOOOOOOOOOOO! 1-2-3!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito.
Match Grade: A-. Another great match on this card. Sabre loses nothing in this match as he still has 2 wins against Naito. Naito finally gets revenge in the victory. Good booking here. As for the match, a great exchange of strong style, aerial maneuvers, and a lot of great technical wrestling exchanges. If The Elite go elsewhere, this could main event a Wrestle Kingdom or a Dominion show for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Main Event
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Chris Jericho (c) vs. EVIL
You have to love Chris Jericho who continues to reinvent himself and dedicates himself to all his craft that he works a 5 Day Cruise and flies to Japan just a couple days later to work this show. He truly is a GOAT.
EVIL jumps Jericho before the bell rings and rakes the eyes. Evil is just punishing Jericho at this point, and Jericho runs to the outside and into the audience. Evil catches him, and they are both brawling in the crowd. Jericho meets the ring post. Evil suplexes Jericho on the floor. Evil gets the table set up. Evil tries to powerbomb Jericho through the table, but Jericho flips Evil back. Evil meets the guard rail, and Jericho throws him over it next. Jericho just continues to destroy the announcer area. They are on one of the tables. DDT BY JERICHO ON THE TABLE, AND IT DID NOT MOVE AN INCH! Jericho has the NJPW banner and blows his nose with it. "YOU SEE THAT, KELLY? YOU STUPID BASTARD!"- Chris Jericho to Kevin Kelly on commentary.
Flying crossbody in the ring by Jericho to Evil for a 2 count. Chops now by both men. Enziguri by Jericho stops that momentum. (This is definitely the biggest match in Evil's career in my opinion. As great as Okada is, Evil is facing a wrestling icon and growing mainstream talent in Jericho.) Lionsault by Jericho on Evil. 2 count only. Evil catches Jericho on the corner. He tries to superplex Jericho, but Jericho sends him off. Diving back elbow to a standing Evil for a 2 count.
Evil starts to fight back with a superkick to the belly of Jericho. Clothesline over the top to the floor by Evil to Jericho. Jericho gets thrown into the guard rail as Evil gets the chairs. He throws Jericho into the ring post with a chair wrapped around his neck! And Evil goes swinging at that chair-wrapped neck with another steel chair! Evil and Jericho are back in the ring. Fisherman Buster by Evil. 2 count. Evil now starts to choke and torture Jericho. A running dropkick though is blocked as Jericho goes for the Walls. Evil flips him over. Jericho catches Evil with the springboard apron dropkick. Evil catches Jericho as he toys suplexing him to the floor through the table at ringside. STO THROUGH THE TABLE BY EVIL TO JERICHO! Both men are down on the outside. (How can you not respect Jericho after this last week? GOAT, people. He is the G.O.A.T.!)
Evil throws Jericho back in the ring and climbs the corner! SENTON SPLASH! 1-2-KICKOUT. 15 minutes have passed. Darkness Falls is escaped, and Jericho locks in the Walls of Jericho. Evil gets to the ropes, and Jericho does the classic heel "HE TAPPED OUT" anger sell. He runs into a lariat by Evil, who covers for a LONG 2 count. Lionsault misses by Jericho. DARKNESS FALLS! JERICHO KICKS OUT. Will Everything Is Evil be next?!
Jericho rolls up Evil for a 2. Codebreaker is blocked. Double lariat. Both men are down. Exchange of blows by both men. CODEBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE! EVIL KICKS OUT!!!! Dang. Jericho is going nuts. "STAY DOWN!" Jericho goes to the top rope. "EVERYTHING IS JERICHO!" He yells. EVERYTHING IS EVIL! JERICHO KICKS OUT!!! WOW! (This is a great match!) 20 minutes have passed.
Evil hits a massive lariat! Jericho shoves Evil towards the refererr. Frankensteiner by Jericho!!!! Walls of Jericho in the center of the ring!!!! Evil goes towards the ropes. LIONTAMER! BACK TO THE WALLS! EVIL TAPS OUT!!!! WOW.
Winner: Chris Jericho (STILL Intercontinental Champion)
Match Grade: A. That was a really good match. EVIL looked to win this match about 2-3 different times. Was it Evil's best performance? I'm tempted to say "Yes," but if there's any match that was close, it was his match with Okada last year during the G1. For Jericho's part, this was an outstanding performance given all that he has done in the last week. I love this "Outlaw" character of his and how it has added to his matches. This was a very good back-and-forth brawl between two wrestlers who know how to do that. Jericho, the ring general, helped guide Evil once it got into the ring to a match that I think both men can be very proud of looking back on. Evil loses nothing in this match by going toe-to-toe with one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Jericho goes back to the attack on Evil and locks back in the Walls of Jericho. Here comes Naito!!!! Naito viciously goes after Jericho, and Jericho runs off away from Naito. I think we know our Wrestle Kingdom 13 match for the Intercontinental Championship. Naito asks Jericho to come back in, but Jericho refuses to go back. Naito declares himself next to face Jericho. This is great as it sets up Naito to get his revenge against Jericho for what happened at Dominion.
Backstage, Jericho puts over Evil as a tough SOB and Naito is just a dumb one. Jericho will not defend his championship against Naito anywhere. Jericho puts over his match with Evil as a classic. It's Evil's first and Jericho's 200+ classic match. He's had more classic Intercontinental Championship matches than anyone. He's never lost to the Japanese. Evil is now famous, thanks to Jericho. Naito is famous too, but Jericho says he's never getting a rematch against him.
Show Grade: A-. Another excellent show from New Japan Pro Wrestling. So many quality matches on this show, especially the last three matches all delivering A level performances. Add in that a great tag team match between The Golden Lovers and Tanahashi/Finlay and a solid undercard, and this is a great watch for any wrestling fan. Again, All Hail The Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah as Jericho continues to be amazing.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
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